We all have our reasons why we travel. Some of us travel for food, others travel to shop. Some even hit the road to learn about the world, through culture and history. If you’re all of the above, and especially the latter, we have the right cities for you. There is some really cool stuff out there, so these are six cities rich in history that might just blow your mind.
History Heavy in the Med
The Mediterranean is a region that is rich in history and attracts people from all over the world. Whether it’s North Africa, Southern Europe, or the western end of the Middle East, all of these civilizations intermixed. This created cultures that influenced one another, overlapped, and inspired some of the most beautiful artifacts and architecture. Of course, most people first hit Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. But there are other places off the normal routes, with their own fascinating history and unique draw. In addition, we’ve added an extra sixth city because we were so inspired by its history.
Cairo, Egypt
Cario is more than just an ancient city. It is also the capital of Egypt and one of the biggest cities in Africa and the Middle East. It is located on the banks of the Nile, just outside of where the Nile delta meets the desert. The city of Cairo dates back thousands of years and its location along prominent trade routes bolstered its significance in the region. Visiting the Egyptian Museum gives you a sense of how it transformed from an ancient civilization to what it is today. You could spend hours here getting lost between aisles of artifacts, mummies, and other relics from the past. But, the biggest attraction is of course the Pyramids of Giza. They are one of the eight wonders of the world and are located just outside the city.
Cairo is also known as “the city of a thousand minarets” because of the many architectural marvels found here. Visit the famous mosques, citadels, and gates that piece together the history of the city. Or, another way to immerse yourself in the culture of the city is to visit its many markets. This is a memorable way to learn about Cairo while also buying some treasures for yourself along the way.
When the city feels like a little too much, float down the Nile on a traditional felucca boat to get a different view of Cairo. There are diverse activities in this city rich in history, so plan to spend a few days in Cairo soaking in one of the world’s oldest cities.
Where to Stay: The St.Regis Cairo
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a place where East meets West, where Europe and Asia come together. The city itself has been the site of multiple ancient empires over the past few thousand years. You can see the mark this has left by the various ruins, architectural marvels, and food found in Istanbul. With the Sea of Marmara on one side and the Black Sea on the other, Istanbul has quite the coastal feel. The Bosphorus strait runs directly through the city segmenting it in two and adding a scenic dynamism to the city.
An Iconic Mosque
Among all the sights in Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia ranks at the top. It is known as the greatest architectural achievement of the Byzantine Empire. It dates back to the 6th century. Over the years, the building has been multiple things, from a cathedral to a mosque to a museum. This in itself tells a story about the changes that took place in Istanbul. Topkapi Palace is another impressive feat, with intricate tile work and its place in history at the core of the Ottoman Empire. The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is a highlight that will have you winding through a maze of shops, smells, and colors. At the Cisterna Basilica, you can go underground into a cavernous atmosphere of tall dark columns with carved medusa heads.
Other places to visit are the Blue Mosque for its extravagant tile work and the Süleymaniye Mosque for unparalleled views. It is also important to experience the bustling nightlife and foodie restaurant scene to get a feel for modern Istanbul.
Where to Stay: The Four Seasons Sultanahmet or The Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem is one of the holiest cities in the world. Rich in history, this small piece of land on the eastern end of the Mediterranean is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The significance of Jerusalem to diverse religious groups inspires draws people from all over the world to travel and learn about its history and culture. In fact, it’s this significance of history and religion that makes it both magical and emotionally charged.
A Pilgrimage
The Old City of Jerusalem is perhaps a great example of the way Jerusalem combines cultures. This walled one-kilometer square is split into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian. There are three important historical and religious sites of pilgrimage within the Old City. It is home to the Wailing Wall, the last remains of an old Jewish temple. This is one of the most important religious sites in the entire country, if not the world. Just above the Wailing Wall is the Dome of the Rock, an important site for Muslims. It is said that this is where the Prophet Muhammad rose to heaven. A few minutes walk from here and you’ll reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is believed that this is where Jesus was crucified and buried. These are just a few of the important sites to visit when in the Old City.
A Museum Worth Visiting
Outside of the Old City are numerous other significant sites, which show you just how rich in history Jerusalem is. The Israel Museum has a significant collection of ancient artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls which are housed in the Book Pavillion. Yad Vashem is a powerful memorial for the Jewish lives lost in the holocaust. But, to get a real sense of Jerusalem it is important to spend time in the markets, restaurants, and cafes to see how things have both changed and stayed the same.
Where to Stay: Mamilla Hotel Jerusalem
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik has been dubbed “the pearl of the Adriatic.” Located at the Southern tip of Croatia, it looks out on the Adriatic Sea which flows into the Mediterranean. The ancient walled medieval city looks like something out of a movie. Its boundaries were fortified in the 13th century as it became a major sea power in the Mediterranean. A complete circuit of the top of the city walls is roughly a two-kilometer walk. On it, you’ll get stunning views of the terracotta roofs on one side and the glistening Adriatic on the other. There’s a reason Game of Thrones used Dubrovnik as one of its filming locations.
The Old Town
Walk through the main promenade lodged between the Pile Gate and Ploče Gate. Most of the Old Town is for pedestrians so walking is the way to go here. As you explore the city, you’ll see a variety of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of architecture. The many monasteries, churches, palaces, and fountains depict the way Dubrovnik once was. Two museums that will give you deeper insight into the city’s past are the Cultural History Museum and the Maritime Museum. Additionally, stop by the treasury attached to the Assumption Cathedral to see 182 reliquaries.
Besides learning about the history of Dubrovnik, spend time on the many nearby beaches. Also, take a boat and visit the many islands along the Dalmatian coast. But, before you do that, hike up to Mount Srđ for a panoramic view of the city.
Where to Stay: Villa Dubrovnik
Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis is located at the heart of the Mediterranean and is Tunisia’s capital. Its position here produced periods of conquests, trade, and finally freedom. It has been and continues to be a major point of trade between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This has brought in a confluence of cultures over the years that have resulted in the city’s complex history. Tunsia has been colonized by the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Ottomans, and most recently, by the French.
These civilizations and cultures left behind rich history that can be seen in Medina. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tunis has about 700 monuments. These include mosques, palaces, mausoleums, fountains, and madrassas. The medieval streets wind through the market and cafes alongside some splendid architecture. Its walls were built tall to keep it cool in summer and warm in winter. The Medina is a major hub for craftwork, where a network of roughly forty souks sell all sorts of goods.
The Time of the Romans
The Bardo Museum houses many relics of ancient North African life but the biggest draw is their Roman mosaics. Another area to explore is the seaside where you’ll find the Baths of Antoninus. These are the ruins of an ancient Roman bathing complex, finished in the 2nd century A.D. Plan accordingly and you can visit the annual Salon de la Création Artisanale that takes place in Le Kram. This is a widely visited exhibition of Tunisian crafts that explores cultures and heritage.
Where to Stay: The Four Seasons Hotel Tunis
Yerevan, Armenia
Yerevan, Armenia is worthy of being on any list of historical cities even if it isn’t located in the Mediterranean. The city sits on the western edge of Armenia, just 23 kilometers from Turkey. Archeological evidence of settlements in the area date back to the 6th century. Since then this land has been ruled by the Romans, Parthians, Arabs, Mongols, Georgians, and Russians. Each ruler added to the complex culture that is alive today but the main feel of Yerevan is Eastern European. This influence can be seen in some of the Soviet-era architecture and the many outdoor cafes, boulevards, and modern buildings.
A Major Cultural Institution
The Cafesjian Center for the Arts is a major cultural attraction, notable for its ascending stone steps and gardens. Its massive staircase, known as the Cascade, is a popular spot to watch the sunset. In addition, the History Museum of Armenia has important cultural artifacts that date back to the Bronze Age. Another site that is heavy but necessary to understand the history is the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, Here, twelve basalt slabs hover over an eternal flame. With its beautiful exterior, the Matenadaran houses ancient Armenian manuscripts that are priceless to the nation’s heritage.
Views for Days
The city of Yerevan is framed by volcanic mountains. There are two to the north – Mount Aragats and Mount Azhdaak, and one in the south – Mount Ararat. These beautiful peaks can be seen on the horizon from most parts of the city. However, a special place to see them is the 7th-century ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral, located 5km from Yerevan. Additionally, another important thing to do while in Yerevan is to sit out at one of its many cafes. To take in local cuisine, stop at a restaurant for their “khorovats” (barbecued meats) with a glass of “oghee” (fruit vodka).
